On March 31, 2016, The USWNT (United States Women National Soccer Team) publicly began their fight for equal pay, along with equal respect. The female athletes have filed a wage discrimination complaint against the US Soccer with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Hope Solo states, “We believe now the time is right because we believe it’s a responsibility for women’s sports, specifically women’s soccer, to really do whatever it takes for equal pay and equal rights and to be treated with respect.” The USWNT has won three straight Olympic gold medals and three World Cup titles overall, whereas the men have not won either. The USWNT earned the US Soccer $16 million in revenue this past year, whereas the men caused a $2 million loss. Despite these obvious accomplishments, the statistics reveal a stunning truth that has been brought into a new light. Per game…The men earn $6,250-$17,625. USWNT earns $3,600-$4,950. Qualify for World Cup (team)… The men earn $2.5 million. USWNT earns $345,000. Reach round 16…The men earn $3.6 million. USWNT earns $0. Reach quarterfinals…The men earn $5 million. USWNT earns $0. 3rd place…The men earn $1.25 million. USWNT earns $480,000. 2nd place…The men earn $6.25 million. USWNT earns $780,000. Win World Cup…The men earn $9.3 million. USWNT earns $1.8 million. If the USWNT makes it on the World Cup roster, they receive 44% of what their male counterparts earn. The USWNT’s attorney, Jeffrey Kessler, states, “These women are very disappointed in US Soccer. When they asked for the same treatment as the men, they were told it was irrational. Now that might be a good answer in 1816. It’s not an acceptable answer in 2016.” This is why feminism exists. This is a battle worth fighting for.

About the Author
When Lucy asked me to be apart of the GrrlPunch staff, not only was I ecstatic and honored, but I felt a new door of creativity open for me. Not just a door of creativity, but a place where girls are all searching for a place to outlet their voice. GrrlPunch is beautiful, GrrlPunch is strong, and GrrlPunch is a place that hopefully I can use to let people know that they are always beautiful, always strong, and always heard. Our voice is a gift that some may attempt to take away, but is something I strive to always fight for, and I want all of us girls to fight for too. Let’s take on the world, one grrl at a time!!!
With arms wide open, Tess